Many expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to target the secondary early and often in the 2015 NFL Draft.
But if history tells us anything, there is a better than average chance that Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert could look to bolster the pass rush with the No. 22 pick of the first round.
With that in mind the Steelers are set to host Nebraska’s Randy Gregory on Thursday, according to the Trib’s Mark Kaboly.
The Steelers are likely just doing their due diligence on Gregory, but if he should fall to No. 22, they will have quite the decision on their hands.
Gregory was once considered a lock to be a Top 10 pick.
While he is one of the best pass rushers in this year’s draft class, off the field concerns, including testing positive for marijuana at the Combine, could see Gregory drop to the bottom of the first round, if not out of it altogether.
If that is indeed the scenario, Gregory could be a steal at No. 22, upgrading a sore spot for the team the past few seasons.
The Steelers have shown that they won’t shy away from players with potential character issues, so if Gregory is in play at No. 22 it will be very interesting to see what route they go with their first-round pick.
There’s also a precedent of the Steelers ignoring a failed drug test at the Combine, most recently drafting offensive tackle Mike Adams in the second round of the 2012 draft after Adams tested positive for marijuana at the Combine.
The 6-foot-6 Gregory missed two games during his junior season and only saw limited action in two others. He finished last season with 54 tackles and a team-high seven sacks. Gregory also recorded 10 tackles for loss and led the Cornhuskers with 16 quarterback hurries.
In addition to Gregory, the Steelers have already met with three other pass rushing outside linebackers including Virginia’s Eli Harold and Max Valles and Utah’s Nate Orchard.
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